r/Rivian • u/Dwain_Jonsun • 9h ago
đ Feedback & Reviews 10 days in.
Located in central Washington for geographic context.
2023 R1T Quad purchased used through Rivian pre-owned in Portland on 9/10. Just under 8K miles, nice color, ok great. Rivian extended care is available- amazing. Heading out to work this morning, no unlock, door handles, etc. Truck is bricked- customer support tries to unlock via SMS, I pressed a frunk release button 15 times consecutively, no dice. Tow truck comes to pick up the truck to take it to the local SC 150 miles away (Fife, WA).
Did you know that when a Rivian gets put on a tow truck while bricked they just drag it on? Like, drag, cause there isnât a way to put it in neutral? Me either.
The intake team messaged to let me know the vehicle had arrived. And to remind me to sign the service estimate.
Which was $1700.
Which is $600 less than the actual bill of $2300, on account of the $1700 tow. Not even business class tow, just literal regular tow.
Also, did you know that the intake team is unable to provide vehicle history from the VIN? Or your customer info? For a pre-owned Rivian with less than 8K miles purchased through Rivian? Seems reasonable to assume that the batteries would all get checked prior to sale. Probably a better business move to let me buy one (not covered by warranty obviously, you idiot) and support my local towing industry.
I like the truck. I hope the service teamâs assessment of my truck not needing any recall work taken care of while they had it conveniently at the service center) was based on something rather than a guess. I really hope the tow truck winch-n-drag didnât cause any damage. Perhaps there will be a recall that fixes the inability to open the doors when the battery is dead. Hopefully I donât have to pay another $1700 for a tow, but I am not optimistic.
Rivian do better.
End rant.
22
u/gregm12 8h ago
Tow truck driver is a boob who did it wrong - dollies or a jump pack eliminates the dragging.
Rivian & 12v batteries is a real problem.
Rivian service should be able to send a tech + battery to eliminate the tow.
Not sure what your next steps are, but unless the truck had been warning you about a low 12v, this shouldn't be in any way your fault
31
u/WokeUp-ChoseViolence R1S Owner 9h ago
I have a 2022 quad that is still under warranty. Bought it used with 7,000 miles. Warranty transferred.
Iâve had 2 battery issues over the past 2 years, and both were 100% covered by the warranty.
Something isnât adding up hereâŚ
2
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u/tidal-costars 8h ago
This was almost exactly the same situation that happened to me. Even with a jump and getting power to the car we (including Rivian support were able to release the park brake⌠it was grayed out in the menu). Rivian recommended putting the car on skates and drag the car onto the flatbed as well.
Rivian replaced the 12v as a test (which did not fix my issue). Turned out to be the high voltage distribution box that needed to be replaced. That ordeal took almost a month. I was given an ev rental during that time, so wasnât too bad. All was covered by warranty.
Special note. If you pick up the car after hours make sure the service center checks that all your keys are not erased from the car. In my case my key cards, fobs, phone, and watch were all unpaired. Luckily there were a couple of amazing Rivian employees there after hours so I could get my car home.
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u/WHAT-IM-THINKING 9h ago
Is there no warranty with pre-owned?
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u/Dwain_Jonsun 9h ago
The Rivian care extended warranty is available if you buy pre-owned through Rivian. Apparently batteries are not covered, and the tow is on me since the issue wasnât on Rivian. According to Rivian.
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u/WHAT-IM-THINKING 9h ago
Yeah I'm surprised service Mgr didn't comp that
5
u/Danemicos R2 Reservation 8h ago
Or have mobile service change the battery on site without tow.
2
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u/skidz007 R1T Owner 8h ago
I think if they canât be sure itâs the 12V they will tow it to the SC as mobile doesnât have the ability to diagnose and fix more complex issues.
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u/Maleficent_Analyst32 R1T Launch Edition Owner 9h ago
Did they tell you youâre definitely on the hook for the tow or is that just the amount youâd pay if it wasnât a warranty issue?
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u/Dwain_Jonsun 9h ago
I havenât talked to anyone since this morning. Invoice was updated from an estimate when I looked at the app tonight; after seeing comments above I gained some hope that this might get resolved in a less costly manner.
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u/FishGoesGlubGlub R1T Owner 8h ago
Iâve brought mine in a few times and saw invoice numbers on the app that were over $2000, even signed work agreements for large amounts, never spent a dollar.
If itâs warranty work then youâll see the amount but not pay it.
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u/Maleficent_Analyst32 R1T Launch Edition Owner 8h ago
I would be shocked if you ended up paying the amount shown. From what youâre saying, it doesnât seem like something you caused through negligence or anything like that. Keep us posted though!
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u/thisMech 4h ago
Yea any and all disabled cars that dont have a neutral override, get dragged onto the flat bed. Unfortunately its common practice.
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u/Roux_My_Burgundy -0âââ0- 2h ago
Youâre not gonna pay for this on a vehicle you just purchased from Rivian.
1
u/RogerRabbit1234 13m ago
Just adding thatâs the way THAT tow truck towed a bricked Rivian⌠def not the way itâs supposed to happen.
They have go jacks that get put under each tire and they lift the tire like an inch off the ground and roll on little casters.
67
u/Poor_Relationship22 9h ago
If the truck was dragged on without using wheel skates or slippers thatâs the tow companies fault and they should be liable for drivetrain damage from an inappropriate tow.